Historic Environment

People have been shaping the landscape around Caradon Hill as far back as the Neolithic period some 6,000 years ago. Its granite tors were linked with stones to create living and sacred enclosures and its rocks were used to make monuments for burying and remembering the dead. Mining has left an indelible mark on the area, shaping its landscape and history.

Traces of all aspects of the farmed landscape, from the field clearances around the Neolithic settlement sites to modern ecological practices, can be found in the local environment. Religion has also played an important role in shaping the area; there are many fine examples of monuments from the Bronze Age, Methodist chapels, and Parish churches.

Features of the Caradon Hill area

There are a wealth of domestic, ritual and industrial remains that give this ancient landscape a rare variety: Trethevy Quoit is recognised as the premier Neolithic tomb in Cornwall, The Hurlers is the only triple stone circle in Britain, Caradon Hill is home to the largest collection of Bronze Age cairns in Cornwall, King Doniert’s Stone is the only known tomb of a King of Cornwall, and South Caradon Mine is the most intact large copper mine site in the county.

Key Areas of support:

Settlements

Working with local residents, schools, councils and organisations to research into the history of settlements, identify small-scale conservation projects and carry out the work to important historic features.

Railway & Canal

Maintaining, and enhancing the setting of, some remaining features of the Liskeard and Caradon Railway and the Looe to Moorswater Canal routes through the area, and encouraging people to learn about their historical importance.

Milestones, Guideposts & Crosses

Helping people learn more about the historic milestones, guideposts, crosses and boundary marks throughout the area and developing plans to look after them.

Granite Quarries

Raising awareness of the 19th-century Cheesewring Quarry ruins and how they fit in with the area’s heritage. Conserving the building ruins at the site.

Cornish Hedges

Investigating the condition of Cornish hedges in Pensilva and Minions and restoring these field boundaries that originally divided 19th-century miners’ smallholdings.

Medieval & Post-Medieval Sites

Looking closely at the archaeology and landscape of areas including tin streaming sites, wheel pits and the site around Long Tom to find out what works need to be carried out. Improving the setting of the sites and access to them.

Prehistoric Monuments

Surveying specific prehistoric monuments and sites and carrying out necessary conservation work. Helping people learn more about the monuments and how to ensure they are looked after. Sites include those on Craddock Moor and Caradon Hill, Tokenbury Camp, King Doniert’s Stone and Stowe’s Hill.

Interesting facts:

• The area is one of the most densely rich historic environments anywhere in the world
• There is traceable continued activity of mankind dating back around 6,000 years
• Go to Library for a wide range of resources to help you understand this unique landscape